Is this a "Splash" and what does that mean?

[Gooter]

I just got this very young roo yesterday, with 2 Silver Laced Wyandotte pullets (to go with the one I already had). It's hard to see from the photo (sorry, it's cloudy and dark here today) but he's a lt. gray and the tips of his feathers are laced with a darker gray lace...like with the pullets. I've never heard of a Splash before now, and I tried to look it up but found very little information about them. So I have a few questions:

First, is this a Splash roo? It's not clear about his breeding, but the previous owner suggested some blue wyandotte.

Second, what causes a splash? Is it done intentionally as well as unintentionally?

Is this a desirable thing? Or not?

My SLW girls are gorgeous and I wanted more because I love how they lay and I enjoy their coloration. I'm curious what may come of breeding them with this roo. Would love any input you have!
Thank you!
(please let me know if the image is not working properly)

 

[Inkheart]

He almost looks like a lilac in the picture? Splash would have definite white on it if i am correct?

 

[TurtleFeathers]

I see barring - splash barred maybe?

*I* think splash is a good thing, but it depends on what you're going to do with the bird and what breed it is. Its my understanding that splash isn't an accepted variety in some breeds, so it would have to be shown in the Any Other Variety (AOV) category, and therefore, the bird could only go but so far in a show (it may be accepted in other breeds tho - I don't show, so I can't say for certain). If the bird is a mixed breed or if you don't plan to show, splash is a eye catching in a mixed flock of backyard birds, and its a good breeding tool (providing the bird has good type as well).

Splash is created from two doses of the Andalusian blue gene, either by breeding blue x blue or splash x blue. Your guy tho, is he a wyandotte mix? I'm thinking wyandottes are supposed to have yellow legs? I don't see lavender, but I guess that could also be a possibility - both the parents would have had to either been visual lavender, split to lavender, or one of each tho.

 

[LindsayB]

lavender barred? lol i don't know, beautiful bird though!

 

[keesmom]

He's definitely an interesting color. I see some barring in the saddle feathers too. Maybe he has cuckoo marans in his background somewhere? Maybe that would explain the barring and white legs.

 

[Illia]

I see pink legs and feathered shanks. I believe he's a splash partially barred mutt of Wyandotte x Cuckoo Marans.

 

[Gooter]

Wow, some interesting input - thanks! I can't wait to see what he looks like when he matures. But maybe he's not going to be a smart choice to mix with for chicks.

 

[AinaWGSD]

Quote:
That depends on what you want out of your chicks. For a backyard laying flock for someone who has no intention of showing, he'd probably be just fine and could be a lot of fun to "play" with to see what comes out. If you had any intention of showing, or selling purebred chicks, then not so much. There's nothing wrong with barnyard mix chickens, it just depends on what your goal is.

 

[Kassaundra]

Quote:
So glad you saw pink legs!!!!

I thought I was going to have to make an appt w/ the eye Dr.